Gore Cycling Jackets

humbert

With the winter fast approaching I've been investigating cycling jackets.

Mostly I'll be using it cycling to work but I'd like something I could wear as a normal jacket too. Nothing trendy mind, just not odd looking off the bike.

With that in mind I was looking at the Endura jackets on CRC. I liked the look of this one but having tried it on it feels kinda heavy and some reviews suggested it will get damp in moderate to heavy rain. I tried a couple of the other Endura jackets on but wasn't completely won over by them. Then I tried a Gore jacket it felt like a much better fit.

They have a good reputation for waterproofness and breathability and look pretty good, but they do come at a hefty price so I'm looking to see if others here have tried them and what they think.

The one in particular I'm looking at is the Gore Cosmo, it's slightly looser fitting which probably wouldn't appeal to a lot of the folk here but that and the integrated hood appeal to me. I wonder how much I'd miss underarm vents though on a longer cycle?

Oh, and what is the "underflap"?

bab

Not trying to put you off you're Gore but I've been using an eVent jacket (mine's a Gill but they've stopped making it now). I find that the eVent material breathes much better than GoreTex (lets water vapour out without it having to bead on the inside of the fabric) and I can wear it in summer too
Endura do one and there are a few more brands hanging around online. One year on there are no tears (despite some falls) and it's still waterproof and breathable (when clean).
The eVent stuff isn't cheap but if you're into the €200 price range then that won't bother you.
Best of luck !

sibyrne

A good Bike jacket shouldn't come with a hood. As you should wear a helmet. if a Bike jacket is sold with a hood then its a walking or hiking jacket.

Although Gore is one of the best brands out there.
If it fits well and is very comfortable then its the one.

humbert

bab wrote: »

Not trying to put you off you're Gore but I've been using an eVent jacket (mine's a Gill but they've stopped making it now). I find that the eVent material breathes much better than GoreTex (lets water vapour out without it having to bead on the inside of the fabric) and I can wear it in summer too
Endura do one and there are a few more brands hanging around online. One year on there are no tears (despite some falls) and it's still waterproof and breathable (when clean).
The eVent stuff isn't cheap but if you're into the €200 price range then that won't bother you.
Best of luck !

Presume this is the one you're talking about?

Actually I was interested in it but the shop I was in didn't have it in my size. The larger size seemed kind of bulky but that could have been simply because it was too big for me.

sibyrne wrote: »

A good Bike jacket shouldn't come with a hood. As you should wear a helmet. if a Bike jacket is sold with a hood then its a walking or hiking jacket.

Although Gore is one of the best brands out there.
If it fits well and is very comfortable then its the one.

That's a good point I guess. I don't wear a helmet to and from work, only really when I'm on a longer trip, particularly with some descents involved.

blorg

On the subject of eVENT, I have the dhb one and it works very well. Only drawback would be lack of pockets, I guess this helps with the size of the thing. Also I suspect fit could be a bit slimmer.

tomasrojo

sibyrne wrote: »

A good Bike jacket shouldn't come with a hood. As you should wear a helmet.

Ahem.

Actually, even if you don't wear a helmet (and it's your own business whether you do or don't), you shouldn't use a hood as it restricts your vision. I use a rain hat myself when it's raining. Looks a bit odd, but it's very effective.

tomasrojo

Someone recommended the Montane Featherlite Smock on this forum before, and I bought it for that reason. I think it's really meant for the summer, as it's very light, but I use it all year round. Folds up very small, very light, dries very quickly.

I also use it off the bike, but I perhaps should not have bought the bright yellow one!

blorg

Off topic but winter cycling stuff always used come with a hood in the 80s.

tomasrojo

blorg wrote: »

Off topic but winter cycling stuff always used come with a hood in the 80s.

Really? Perhaps a hood doesn't restrict your vision so much then. I found it did in the old days, but it used to be Dunnes anoraks back then for me, not something specifically for the bike.

blorg

tomasrojo wrote: »

Someone recommended the Montane Featherlite Smock on this forum before, and I bought it for that reason. I think it's really meant for the summer, as it's very light, but I use it all year round. Folds up very small, very light, dries very quickly.

I also use it off the bike, but I perhaps should not have bought the bright yellow one!

Could have been me, I have both it and their H2O jacket. It is a very good shell to put over something else if you are otherwise dressed appropriately warm.

The sizing on them is not very cycling, you have to go way down in size or it will flap about a lot.

Downside is it started off waterproof but this wore off entirely. I mean to Nikwax it to see if this fixes it.

tomasrojo

blorg wrote: »

Could have been me, I have both it and their H2O jacket. It is a very good shell to put over something else if you are otherwise dressed appropriately warm.

The sizing on them is not very cycling, you have to go way down in size or it will flap about a lot.

Downside is it started off waterproof but this wore off entirely. I mean to Nikwax it to see if this fixes it.

Think it was you, yes. Thanks for that!

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

On the subject of eVENT, I have the dhb one and it works very well. Only drawback would be lack of pockets, I guess this helps with the size of the thing. Also I suspect fit could be a bit slimmer.

I have a Gore Oxygen III Jacket. I'm happy with it so far, except for the lack of pockets. It is a slim fit (the medium is snug on me, and I'm pretty narrow). I haven't found the lack of vents to be a problem so far.

It doesn't meet the OPs criteria for off-the-bike fashion, because it is cut for cycling (very short at the front, very long "shirt tail" at the back) but you can't have everything.

rflynnr

At the risk of shameless shilling, I'm selling one of these in dark grey, a colour which I chose on the grounds that it wouldn't look ridiculous in a pub. Not sure if it fits your particular criteria but you're welcome to try it on if you want.

It's advertised over in cycling adverts: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1205.

lukester

More shameless shilling, what you want is this, I'm selling it, looks great off the bike too

On the Montane jackets, I have one also, great to have as backup. Re-treated mine with Nikwax wash-in which I picked up in Great Outdoors- it's back to waterproof again.

rflynnr

lukester wrote: »

More shameless shilling, what you want is this, I'm selling it, looks great off the bike too

Get out of it Lukester: I saw him first.

lukester

rflynnr wrote: »

Get out of it Lukester: I saw him first.

I'm merely starting an orderly queue behind you.

rflynnr

lukester wrote: »

I'm merely staring an orderly queue behind you.

With the greatest of respect, staring at my behind is something I reserve for those I'm slightly more intimate with.

lukester

rflynnr wrote: »

With the greatest of respect, staring at my behind is something I reserve for those I'm slightly more intimate with.

How can you control who stares at your behind?

joker77

I'm thinking of going for the Endura Windchill - I don't like fully waterproof jackets - this seems like a good compromise, from the reviews it 'keeps you warm without overheating, and stands up to the rain well'.

Anyone have something like this and would like to share thoughts on?

rflynnr

lukester wrote: »

How can you control who stares at your behind?

Eh...dammit.

Murph100

Well I hope you have another source for it as Wiggle cant ship that jacket to Ireland.

joker77 wrote: »

I'm thinking of going for the Endura Windchill - I don't like fully waterproof jackets - this seems like a good compromise, from the reviews it 'keeps you warm without overheating, and stands up to the rain well'.

Anyone have something like this and would like to share thoughts on?

joker77

Murph100 wrote: »

Well I hope you have another source for it as Wiggle cant ship that jacket to Ireland.

Weird - didn't spot that - what's that about???

Anything similar anyone would recommend?

Gavin

Have the Endura eVent Venturi and find it very good

RMD

I was working in a bike shop that stocked the Gore range during the summer so I'll offer some advice on it.

Yes, the price is hefty but they are so well made frankly it's worth it. The one I'd recommend if you're looking for a mix of everything (good fit, versatility, casual looking etc) would be the X-Alp http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/jackets/product/alp-x-9135

I've used them before in rain and in sun, great breathability, great protection from wind and rain, the X-Alp looks like it can be used as a casual jacket which really appeals to me, comes with a good warranty and is well made and durable so it thicks pretty much every box. Compared to the cheaper stuff, I'd still go with a Gore.

****e, just read that, still seems like I'm trying to sell the stuff

BryanL

In anything less than heavy rain, windstopper jackets or gillets can be hard to beat.
Opening vents in any jacket quickly leads to condensation no matter what the fabric.
I've a Gore wind stopper shell, jacket and gillet and an enduro stealth jacket for the rain.
I had a Lusso and Gill rain jacket but neither were up to scratch.
Bryan

humbert

blorg wrote: »

On the subject of eVENT, I have the dhb one and it works very well. Only drawback would be lack of pockets, I guess this helps with the size of the thing. Also I suspect fit could be a bit slimmer.

This would be a very tempting option if it had pockets. Nice looking jacket.

rflynnr wrote: »

At the risk of shameless shilling, I'm selling one of these in dark grey, a colour which I chose on the grounds that it wouldn't look ridiculous in a pub. Not sure if it fits your particular criteria but you're welcome to try it on if you want.

It's advertised over in cycling adverts: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1205.

I think I'll pass but thanks for the offer

RMD wrote: »

I was working in a bike shop that stocked the Gore range during the summer so I'll offer some advice on it.

Yes, the price is hefty but they are so well made frankly it's worth it. The one I'd recommend if you're looking for a mix of everything (good fit, versatility, casual looking etc) would be the X-Alp http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/clothing/jackets/product/alp-x-9135

I've used them before in rain and in sun, great breathability, great protection from wind and rain, the X-Alp looks like it can be used as a casual jacket which really appeals to me, comes with a good warranty and is well made and durable so it thicks pretty much every box. Compared to the cheaper stuff, I'd still go with a Gore.

****e, just read that, still seems like I'm trying to sell the stuff

Gavin wrote: »

Have the Endura eVent Venturi and find it very good

I think it's a toss-up between the Endura eVent Venturi, the Gore X-Alp and the Gore Cosmo. I reckon it will come down to eeny meeny miny mo in the end.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I've gotten some feedback on about every jacket I had considered!

nitrogen

joker77 wrote: »

I'm thinking of going for the Endura Windchill - I don't like fully waterproof jackets - this seems like a good compromise, from the reviews it 'keeps you warm without overheating, and stands up to the rain well'.

Anyone have something like this and would like to share thoughts on?

I also like this, Joker. This is the sort of jacket I'm looking for. Thanks for linking to it.

Does anyone have info on Endura clothing sizes - on the small or larger side?

Thanks

Planet X

I've had an Endura Windchill for the past two years and it's a great jacket. Waterproof enough even though it's not a dedicated waterproof jacket.

Now.........I'm going to replace my 10/12 year old Gill Waterproof jacket. Basically a Blue plastic bag with sleeves etc. Does the job but seam welds coming apart. Got my money's worth. Bought in Joe Dalys shop when it was on the Main Street and that was a while back!

I hate it but going to go Viz Yella. as in a http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-path-gore-tex-neon-jacket/.

They seem light enough. Goretex. Was wearing a Hi Viz bib last year over my Endura just to keep the Rozzers etc. happy.

So, anyone got this Gore jacket or other coloured type? Seems to be OK. Not worried about pockets.
Looked at Altura stuff etc. but Gore has to have the edge huh?

BeepBeep67

Sportpursuit doing a flash sale on ODLO, not familiar with the brand, but the spec looks good and 52% off. I've ordered from them before, no issues, but you have to wait until the sale ends before the order is fulfilled.

pelevin

Suggestion of Castelli Gabba convertible, bought mine from this US shop via ebay. Superb piece, and the convert side of it works very well too. Price on Wiggle of 266 euros, price with shipping from US on link below about 170 euros. Short-sleeved & the long-sleeved versions of Gabba both I think have black or yellow options but the convert just in black.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SHIPS-IN-24HRS-2013-GENUINE-CASTELLI-GABBA-CONVERTIBLE-JERSEY-JACKET-CYCLING-/171027090823?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item27d2024d87

Planet X

Got an Endura Flyte jacket a few weeks ago.
PTFE material of which Goretex is a derivative of. Didn't know that Goretex is a brand name like Coke. Goretex is actually made of PTFE.
Endura shorts, jacket & lobster gloves(for the frosty)

Jacket is brilliant, hardshell, pit vents etc etc. Fair few shekels cheaper than Gore and same'ish material.

Endura Baa Merino socks, winter n summer also.
I like Endura.....

G rock

Yup, I have a baa l/s base that's coming into its fourth winter, and going stronger than a one year old rapha

Planet X

Need a Merino base layer actually.
Recommended then?
Got a dhb l/s high neck zip job last year. Very warm this Merino stuff but the zip is a pain in the crack.

G rock

Planet X wrote: »

Need a Merino base layer actually.
Recommended then?
Got a dhb l/s high neck zip job last year. Very warm this Merino stuff but the zip is a pain in the crack.

I have an orca, rapha ss, and the endura. The endura has worn the best, and is the warmest-i wear it and a softshell even on the coldest days and it's grand